In the midst of a challenging season, the Dallas Cowboys find themselves grappling with a 3-6 record and a string of four consecutive losses. As the Cowboys strive to regain their footing, attention has turned to their emerging lead running back, Rico Dowdle, whose ascent from undrafted free agent to starting running back is captivating both fans and the team.
Rico Dowdle: From Undrafted to Starting Running Back
Rico Dowdle, who came into the NFL as an undrafted free agent from the University of South Carolina, has carved out a significant role as the Cowboys' primary ball carrier. He has embraced his responsibilities, leading the Cowboys' backfield with a total of 374 rushing yards on 83 carries, which averages to an impressive 4.5 yards per carry. His contributions extend to the air, as he has scored three receiving touchdowns this season. Dowdle's standout performance came in Week 5 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he achieved a career-high with 87 rushing yards and a memorable 22-yard receiving touchdown.
This accomplishment means a great deal to Dowdle, who reflected on his journey by saying, "Undrafted to now being the starting running back for America's Team. Definitely, I take great pride in that. That [injuries] was one of my things that was hindering me I guess when I broke my hip two, three years ago. Definitely gratifying. I've always had confidence that I would be able to go out there and get the job done."
Coaching Confidence and Support
Cowboys' head coach Mike McCarthy has conveyed his faith in Dowdle's abilities, emphasizing the importance of integrating him into their offensive strategy. "Definitely, you have to get him the ball. That's my focus to continue to get him opportunities. He's the lead back. I thought he had a really good first half [against the Eagles], and I think that's really illustrated by the attempts. Rico needs to touch the ball," McCarthy stated, highlighting the integral role Dowdle plays in what has been a tumultuous season.
Dowdle is aware of the confidence bestowed upon him by the coaching staff and uses it as motivation. "It means a lot coming from Coach McCarthy. Showing that they got confidence, and they trusted me as the starting running back of the Dallas Cowboys. I take that with great pride," Dowdle expressed, acknowledging the significance of his role and the trust placed in him.
A Grinding Season and Future Challenges
The Cowboys' campaign has been marred by injuries, with quarterback Dak Prescott sidelined for the season due to hamstring surgery, and DaRon Bland dealing with a stress fracture. Their defensive line is notably thin, and rookies Tyler Guyton and Cooper Beebe are being gradually integrated into the offensive line setup.
Amidst these struggles, the team's rushing game averages a meager 83.7 yards per game, ranking as the second-fewest in the league. The departure of their former running back, Tony Pollard, to the Tennessee Titans further compounded their challenges in establishing a potent ground attack.
Backup quarterback Cooper Rush, who has observed Dowdle's growth firsthand, praised the running back's relentless energy. "Yeah, Rico's running hard. He's running fast, running hard. He broke a couple long ones there for us last week. He's been doing that all year. He's been consistent, and we look forward to every time he touches it," Rush remarked, underscoring Dowdle's consistency and determination to make an impact.
Preparing for the Houston Texans
Looking forward, the Cowboys prepare to face the Houston Texans, a team whose run defense is ranked 11th in the league. This matchup presents a considerable test for Dowdle and the Cowboys' running game, requiring them to overcome their offensive hurdles.
Dowdle acknowledges the importance of rhythm in achieving success on the ground. Reflecting on the evolution of his role, he noted, "The committee approach was something that wasn't working for us, so I stood firm on wanting to find that rhythm since the beginning. You want to be able to get out there and get the bulk of the carries and find that rhythm. ... It's all about finding that rhythm."
Despite the challenges, Dowdle remains optimistic about his capabilities, stating, "Yeah, for sure, in my past, it was all about the injuries and things like that, but now I feel that I've got my body in the best shape and best position possible for me. So I definitely think I can go out there and operate at a high level of consistency."
As the Cowboys navigate this difficult season, Rico Dowdle's journey from adversity to becoming the undisputed lead back serves as a beacon of hope in Dallas, underscoring the team's belief in hard work and resilience in the face of challenges.